OCR Text |
Show Mit I hev es good sense ea ye !.c:ti Joi. using, an I ain't ter be f ec. tc-foul- like a woman." iJunv.liKie laid his strong band on Lis shoulder aid spoke to Du sharply. "Liu down," ho raid, man, and listen to u. We give you the choice You shall Lave from now till morning to consider; after Dat will lie too late. Choose one of two alternatives: Remain Just where you aro, from sheer stubbornness and Hie. for die you must if you persist in this, and in such a slow, torturing Banner as yon cannot comprehend, or mmply with our wishes that doubtless l.e painful at first, an.l may oven end fatally I place U before you, holding back but vitfa ten chances to one of your recotury and a lung life." Johnson's face lost Its defiance and cunning; It grew livid and paled to a His sinister eyes ore deathly hue. fixed on the doctor's face with an expression of cowardly terror In them. Ills brother's fit of violent temper he could meet with equal force, but Dr. Dunwlddle's voice and manner lore aa much weight as his words which were uttered clearly and calmly, but which the man was unused to hearing, and which therefore Impressed him more than they might have done otherwise, full of meaning and warnlni as they were. He lay among the plllowa with hie face turned to the wall, motloriess as though he were already dead, hia sinewy right hand clutched the eov- - It. CHAPTER XIX. (Continued.) And an Dora t to lutr word and drove or rodo over every day whim the weather waa pleasant and together in they wandered under thu many a daring place. the eolor ot increasing health slowly tinging the checks of each, while Dora's cough grew less and leas frequent and violent, and an added grace and spring showed in Dolores' stop, though there was a growing sadness upon her li)s and a hunted look in the wide dark eyes that her friends could not understand, this woman gloried and exulted In her power to wound the girl Dora loved with a deeper, truer love than she could ever give to her, and she planned out many a subtle manner for wounding and sending her shafts deeper Into the soul of the girl who was, ahe told herself over and over, stealing away what rightfully belonged to her. Lemuel Johnson went often to see his brother, who grew civil to him after a while, though at first he was surly, and resented his brother's long silence and neglect Together they talked of the future, and laid many plans to be carried out as soon as Joe was a little better. Dr. Dunwiddie still positively affirmed that he would recover, but that this must needfully be slow, and Joe Johnson was never possessed with par ttence enough to bear quietly much waiting: And as the days passed Dolores waited and waited, the dread fear shot in her heart, they would come for her father from the town. The subject of the mare was never mentioned among them; it had dropped out of the bouse as suddenly and completely as though death had touched it; that day Dora gave her cousin a sketch of the feeling regarding it in the town, though not one of them understood the girl's horror of it, excepting it might be the one who had seen the most of her emotion. Sometimes the girl was tempted to ask about it, but the dread of bringing down something worse upon hersslf and her father kept her silent to suffer alone. But Johnson lingered along In much the same condition in spite of the interest of his friends or foes, from week to week, scarcely getting better, yet growing no worse. Dr. Dunwiddie knitted his brows and looked very grave and puzzled many a time after his visits; he did not like the appearance of things; they were going crooked; something must be done and at "once. He did not wish to arouse the thought of such a thing in the minds of Johnson himself or Dolores; in fact he wished to keep it from Johnson more even than from his daughter, for jhe was in such an excitable state that tt went much against his recovery with many a petulant, word that showed his brute nature and cruelty. At of against Dolores and late his anger and spleen were direct-ojfault-findin- . Dolores was of no use no earthly nse la tt world; eh was without Wren the tease of most women, and that was little enough. Had ahe been a boy things might have been differ ent; boys were 01 use. And it was not enough that this ill luck of ker being girl was upon him. but ho must have this added to the rest to bo laid up .with not even the use of his feet or hands. Here he was, crippled, help- less, constantly in pain, scarcely able to move without pain, and there was bis brother healthy, florid, a rich man. with a line home and the comforts of life at his disposal. And what reason was there that his brother should have the gains and he the losses? Was he not quite as deserving and capable of appreciating them as he? Fate waa a powerful master, partial, and many times cruel In its decrees Life was a pretty tough thing anyway, scarce worth the living. To lie in that hole of a room day in, day out, was growing unbearable; nothing to do hut watch the bit of sky and mountain through the tiny window, the scent of the pines stealing through, or, closing his eyes, to think, think, think his narrow thoughts that never got away from the mountains, the emithy, the tavern, and the town, until he waa driven nearly wild by the thoughts that no one else ever knew, though those who wore with him most guessed nearer the tnith. The thin face, grown pallid with confinement, would narrow and seem to eontract, the small eyes, set deep cIomo grew cruel un.l mulling, thu (oar.su mont.li under thu scant i:i!i.u'Iii- closed with sinister meaning. Fur knurs ho would lie In tu! same imsition, scarcely moving, hia long bunds grown bony, clutching convulsively the bed covering. And to tkosu who watched with eyes sharpened with interest all these actions were full of meaning, and proved much that had hut been guessed be- ami iiw-Llier- , - " fore. As time went by the men at the tavern got over their stiffness and dropiied In occasionally through the days, one or another, to have a chat with Johnson, liut mainly to see how he bore his affliction and to know for themselves how much better off that girl of Johnson's was, since her father's brother Ixmucl he who left the settlement years before had returned. Many an hour in the wide, low room at the tavern, or beside the door of an evening, they discussed Johson's condition, and, freely expressed their doubts and views as to his recovery In spite of Dr. Dunwlddles assertion to the contrary. While Dr. Dunwiddie, over in the town among hia friends at Judge Green's, also discussed Johnson's condition, and decided with them that it waa time something was done, and done speedily, or it would be too late. "Spare no pains nor expense, Dunwiddie, urged Lemuel Johnson, pacing up and down the pleasant parlor at Judge Green'a, hie handa clasped behind him, his florid face and kindly eyes full of anxiety. "Joe's got a wonderful constitution; always did have; sinewa like steel when we were youngsters. This illness has been heavy to bring him down so. Surely there lx some way of hastening his recovery, and we must find It you must flud it. He's got to have a fair chance for a place in life, comfortable, like other men, and nut end it all that way. Why, It's death In life over yonder. It's burled In a grave large enough to turn around In, but it isn't life. No wonder he's lust all ambition staying there with everybody around him duller and more listless than he, exShe's a cepting of course Dolores. body one wouldn't meet always. Joe doesn't appreciate her because lie's Incapable of judging out of such a batch of comrades aa he's got there. That Lodle's a good enough sort of man make an intelligent man if he had a chance but, my powers! such a life for man or woman. Where I waa born, too, and not a school house or church in the place, and my own brother's child Ignorant of even the catechism or the existence of God. Do your best for him, Dunwiddie; never mind the cost. Money is nothing compared to a life worth living. You start him on with a fair show of strength, and 111 do the rest. He's the only kin I have in the world he and the girl and the Lord knows there isnt a man in toe world who wouldn't do all he could tor such. Eh, Dora?" By W. CLARK RUSSELL. CoPTiisht, IW. by P. F. Collier. Copyriiht CHAPTER XVII. Continued. The passengers were assembled In the forward part of the cuddy, and their pale faces could be neon from the quarter-decviewing the proceedings through tho window glass. This was a sorrowful sight. Its pathos was heightened by the children, and tho baby in the black nurse's arms, and as the passengers descended into the boats, the procession was rendered extremely depressing by the low persistent wailing of the baby. Now, then, above off, my lads, shouted Pope. The third mate, who wae In charge , in which a boat's of. tho compass and a quadrant had been to be placed, ordered the big lug-sahoisted, and in a few minutes the three boats, two of them under canvas, were sliding off Into the mighty solitude. k long-boat- il CHAPTER XVIII. The Pirates Demand. "Grindal, said Pope, standing with him in the gangway, "I am going to take that lady, who la to be my wife, you know" he looked at him In his subduing way "aboard the brig. You will scuttle this ship, and that It may be a swift Job, scuttle her forward, aft and amidships. Well wait for you" "I hope you will," grumbled Grindal. CapL Pope ascended the poop-ladde- r, and approached Mies Laura with Mi hat In hia hand. "I'm going to ask you, he said, "to come on board my brig with me. She turned a little pale, looked a little frightened, and answered: "Where Is your brig going to, capL Pope?" "We shall cruise for some more money," he answered, "and then I shall place a chart of the world before you, and you shall put your finger on the spot to which you would have me sail. She did not reply, but moved as Et'd be nothin new ef ye wae ashamed of me. ering long after his brother and the doctors left, not knowing that through the half open door Dolores, from the outer room, was watching him vlth a face set as his own, her hands clasped passionately, her lips shut close to still the cry that rose from her heart, that found words only In a new, wild. Inarticulate prayer. God, whom I know not, Iqfgtga him forgive him." But there waa not a trace of this emotion upon her face or In her manner as she stood, a day or two after, at the west window of the library at Judge Greena, the soft brown dress Dora bad fitted for her, falling grace8he held back the fully around her. lace draperies with one arm leaning against the casing of the large French window, and looked like a picture, ao quiet ahe stood, flushed from the light of the sunset above. Dora was sitting upon the ottoman i at her feet, her delicate face raised ' CHAPTER XX. Dora said to the face above her. he could alt forever at Dolores feet A Suddtn Message. and watch her. Dolores face waa a Man alive!" exclaimed Lemuel study of which one would never tire, Johnson aa he stood beside hia brother which one must study to understand, one morning, with Dr. Dunwiddie and which one could never fully underDr. Grey, explaining to him a plan by stand. which they hoped to benefit bis condi(To be continued.) tion and hasten his recovery. "Man alive, Joe!" exclaimed the excitable LIFE OF KING ALFONSO. little man, thrusting hia hands into his pockets, his florid face growing Monarch Becoming Popular redder, hia eyes sparkling with Indig- Young With Hia Subjects. Have you no aense at all? nation. Tho king of Spain la dally young no common ambiHare you no pride, himself more popular in San tion to get well? To make a success making of life? Would you rather He here, Sebastian, which may be regarded aa the summer capital of Spain. Rising growing loss and less capable of anyvery early, ho goes down from MIrar ilko an Indolent and tramp, thing, mer before 8 to San Sebastian palaco on suffering straight ahead for keep for a swim. He takes long beach years inaylie, .when by perfect care in this hospital, or Infirmary, or what- rides In the valleys and across the ever it la, in the city something may highlands of the nssque country withbe done for you, and you would be out an escort, but he la always In set up like a new man ready for any uniform and is accompanied by two and two palace servants, position and to build up as good a home as any man living? Why, great lie takes great pleasure in returning salutes of the peasantry. At midScott, Joe Johnson, if you are my the brother and the only one I've got, I day the king attends to state business must say I'd be ashamed to own you with the minister for foreign affairs. Before lunch he gives audiences and if you refuse." Tho invalid was growing excited also. generally rides again In the afternoon, with He struggled up to a sitting position, or drives his own half reclining on bis right arm, and Queen Christina and his sisters sib glared at his brother as an infuriated ting behind him. InHe takes an Interest in yachting. the rowing boat animal at bay. Et'd be nothin' new ef ye was races In the bay and in He is already a good shot and a 'shamed o' me. he cried, the Teins of his forehead swelling like cords, his keen sportsman. The Basques are small eyes glittering like serpents. pleased to see him interested in their Et's no mor'n ye've done all yer life national ball game, styled juego de Hence yer runned away ter make yer pelota. money year ago. Ye left er Suburban Foreeight folks ter starve fer silt ye've done The citizen of Drearyhurst wae kern now when em. tell Just ye fe( hyar ter gloat owver me. I may be showing his visitor through the spa'tbout yer style o' sense, Lem Jobn-sln- cious garden in tho rear ot the house. "Over there," he said, pointing with but I bev got ther common sense 't ken tell beans when I sees em. Ye hia cane, "la the turnip patch." "You must be a good deal fonder of neednt make outen T ye dont know than I am," commented the turnips I aa means them or well's what I do, bev lived hyar aence tbeys horned. visitor. "Ob. we dont use them on the An' theys ken tellt ye left ue tbout We raise nothin an' outen yer life tell Jest table, hie host replied. now when't ain't no use; an' ea long them to throw at the neighbors es I've got breath 'nough left ter tellt. chickens. They're cheaper than eoaL" I'll Jest say this. An' I ain't goln ter One Advantage. be put In no hursepltal neither where "Is Cleveland really as slow as peoa feller ken stay forever, an' folka'd never know but lie's dead an burled, ple say It Is?" asked the Chicago "It's worse. replied the Cincinnati 'stead o' livin' locked up In a cell like s a criin'iial an' kept ihyar an never drummer. "Why some of the of that village actually die of out. Melihy et do run In thee fam'ly ter be sheflecs an nu 'count, old age." four-in-han- d plgcon-shoot-ln- g. reel-dent- b-- t The Two Captains 1 f Dodd, Head 1 Co. j ing the l.ridle of bis temper marvelously well. It la not right, sir, that she should be here. said Crystal. Madam, in the presence of your cousin, an old shipmate, one whose confidence I might have hoped I possessed," exclaimed Pope, in his most melodious accents plaintive, sweet, thrilling almost the girl found that I appeal to you. Since the voice moment when my eyes tint lighted on your beauty, have I failed In my bearing as a gentleman and a man of honor? That I am in love with you Crystal knows; that I shall passionately desire to make you my wife he also knows. Does a gentleman, does a man of honor Insult, wound, excite uneasiness In the lady of his love. In the woman whom it Is hls Impassioned dream to make bis wife? Laura waa coloring superbly. Twice he lifted her eyes from the deck while he spoke, once to flash them upon him, and once to gaze a little lingeringly. Pope," eald Crystal, let me see to her cabin accommodation. This la a ship of pirates, and if youre in love youll agree that she's to be protected as much for your sake as for her own. John, you know she's absolutely safe; but you are her cousin. I love you for tbat, and you shall have your way," and, bowing to Miss Crystal with a aweet smile, this extraordinary man went on deck. Grindal. In the heart of a little mob, talked loud and gesticulated freely, smiting hia palm with his clenched fist Pope took no notice, and after walking the deck for some time, he went below Into hie cabin for a cigar and hia fine telescope, with which to follow the departure of the Thetis. He heard Crystal talking to the girl in the next cabin, and strained hls ear, even laying it against the bulkhead to catch what they said. Unhappily for the listener the brig was slightly pitching, and the groans of the fabric. Ixave it to the capfn," saya Bobbin. The Instant pause that followed scent'd, to use the language of tho poet Pope. To hesitate d.sllke. Then Cranial said roughly: Very well. Were all agreed. Wo leave it to the capt'n. All that wo want for to find Is thihow much is evpry man worth so far?" We don't want no burying and of it afterward to find it gone.' explaimed a very hairy pirate who. had daylight been abroad, would have discovered himself in Jack boots and a rather bloody shirt. Tbe men have been asking for me to find out. Slid Grindal, if ao be as how you looks upon the young lady as a part of your share?" Yes, answered Pope at once, unable to catch a sight of the expression of Crystal's face. What price do you value her at," continued, if ao be aa how you've gone into It?" Pope could not help laughing. Ho laughed loud, and continuously, and some of his men, tickled by his merritoo. ment, fell said he, presently recoverWhy, ing his gravity, if you should turn to and read the Bible, which most of you have never heard of, and which moat of yon couldnt read if you had, you'd discover that the lady is put down aa one of those females whose value la far above rubies. What's she worth, captain?" said Grindal. "Give her value a name and deduct it from my share, and ao reward mo for the money I'm putting into your pockets, cried Pope, with an excellently-handled note of acorn in hls delivery. Let the captain have the lady, exclaimed one of the newly-enteremen, ahe aint no blistered furrlner, she's a relative of the mate's, and a countrywoman of ourn, and cusa me If it's proper that an English womans to be talked of aa if she were a no grew. Pope, looking round, could dimly see Miss Crystal standing in the companion-way listening. Youll drop this matter, Grindal," said he, approaching the ruffian by a couple of paces, and putting on hit overwhelming manner of command, perceptible enough to the fellow who stood close. we'll bring the plunder on deck and attempt such a valuation as shall enable every man to understand what hls earnings already are. Now go forward. Draw yourselves some cans of the Prussian's gin. and drink for Biich another piece of good luck as the Thetis. He then turned and walked straight along the deck to Miss Laura. d CHAPTER XIX. The Booty. , Next morning waa aa shining aa the splendid day that had vanished. At half-paeight the cabin breakfast was ready. CapL Pope and CapL Crystal awaited Miss Lauras emergence from her cabin. The square man waa seated; Pope stood, and continued to atand until ahe came, when he saluted her with a low bow, and a After look of helpless adoration. some commonplaces about the passage of the night, the comfort of her cabin and the like, tbe conversation shaped itself thus: When do you mean to give the men a sight of the stuff theyre craving to see. Pope? asked Crystal, trying to speak in a friendly way. answered After breakfast, the captain. I wonder how much they mean to ita occasional squeals, the jar of the me at?" exclaimed Laura, colvalue wheel-ropes, and noise of the the rudder, a little but laughing also. oring troubled and deafened him. So And I wonder," said Pope, with a he abandoned a hopeless effort, to bow, what they would think light hia cigar and pick up hia tele- courtly if they knew the price I put upon scope. W-ePope quitted his cabin. Crys- you?" (To be continued.) tal and Laura were still talking. He regained the deck and immediately THE BIRD OF THE FAMILY. . leveled hls glass at the Thetis and saw that she was sinking fast. Presently Capt. Crystal . came on dock. Some Facts About the 8tork and Its Nest. to light Pope called to his cabin-ma- n In Holland the nests of storks are the lamp, anil put a meal with tea and generally on the summit of a tall post, wine upon the table. put up on purixise for them, on which Has she gone?" says Crystal, lookIs fixed an old cart wheel. Saya an ing in the direction of the ship, but English writer: A Dutch gentleman missing her in the elusive light. of my acquaintance has one such post No,' answered Pope, curtly. In his grounds within sight of hls Look at those fellows forward. but he improves on window, iihrary Pope." exclaimed Crystal, folding his arms and speaking in a voice that the cart wheel by haring an iron of the seemed to suggest an apologetic pos- framework for the reception ture of mind. I'd be glad to have her nest. Thu first year It was put up, with us but for them. Since she's toward the end of June, a solitary come Into my bands I must bold my- young stork used to come daily and self answerable to my cousin for her carefully Inspect this framework.stand- I saw ..tin there myself one day, " safety and Well both see to tbat," rosimnd-e- d ing In the empty receptacle exactly benedict inspecting an like a would-bPope. At this moment there was a move- empty house, contemplating the view ment among the men aliout the gal- and wondering if the drains arc all The verdict was apparently ley. and a number of them, preceded right. next season saw tho by Grindal. came aft. Pope came to a favorable, for the newly wedded nest by occupied stand, and lightly puffed at his cigar with an unmoved face. Crystal swayed pair. Their power of wing la very fine, and on hot days I have watched on wide legs behind him. them ascending in spiral circles, hardCaptain," says Grindal, I'm speakbroad, black wings, ing for the men, likewise for myself. ly moving theirlooked no fcigger than That there Thetis has been a tough till they have After tbe young are hatched Some of us being killed and files. Job. they appear to tie suspicious of one anothers wounded. Come to the point, interrupted other and unwilling to leave the nest unguarded. Pope coldly. All hands, says Grindal, would At American Universities. like to see what they've got." American colleges. Harvard Among Look here said Pope, if It's fine has 5.4HS students; Columbia. 6.352; morning after breakfast, Chicago. 4.290. The State University every article of plunder that now lies of Michigan comes next, with 2,764. afe and stocked in my cabin, shall followed hy California. 3,693; Minnebe brought up on to this quarterdeck, sota. 3,505. and Illinois, 3,288. The and all hands shall weigh and admire, endowed University of Corand appraise; and we'll come to some privately nell has 3.281: after which comes the understanding of the value of the State University of Wisconsin, with whole so that every man shall know 2.884. The Northwestern Univcr.ity, what he's worth already." on private foundations, shew a total That's it." exclaimed a man. of 2,875. "Who'll do the valuing part?" "Draw lots for it, if you like, my When a man makes a choice of a hearts, says Pope a little profession he ohMild not forget Ute small parte !r it st though to let him know she waa ready to go with him. With all the gallantry of the buck of those days In he took her by the the ball-rooband and conducted her to the gangway. The brig lay within the range of her own carronades, and after they had pulled a little distance, features of her grew sharp and distinct, and among other things Laura saw her cousin, leaning upon his folded arms watching the on the bulwark-rail- , boat's approach. A number of the seamen, aa well as Crystal, started nt the approaching boat, which was rapidly nearing the brig; It neared, touched, swung to, and Crystal helped his cousin to ascend. Pope following. Keep the deck and stand by for Grindal, Mr. Crystal," exclaimed Pope, giving him his name In a very lofty way, "till I show your cousin her cabin." She's got mine," said Crystal. So she has," answered Pope, and you shall choose another. Be easy, smilJohn," says be. unbending and a rich are Ay, we ship. ing. Already even meet could I thunder! by Staunton's paper. And how do I value my share of the plunder. he added, looka at casting one of bis adoring men had his little suspecting Laura, been discussing this very subject He then, with a courteous motion . of his arm, indicated the companion-wayThe girl, with an intrepid glance at the square man, put her foot upon the ladder, and the pair descended. All the booty brought from the West Indlaman had been heaped in the captain's cabin. Crystal's berth had been cleared of lta stuff, and Laura's baggage, and the movable furniture of her cabin, replaced it Mlu Crystal gased with curiosity around her. What a dim and melancholy little interior was this after the fine cuddy of the Thetis! Just then Crystal came bundling In. Hls face was more than usually rugged. and determination lay In shadow, in an expression of violence about bis brow, always iarkened by its scar. I have come to help you to see to my cousin. Pope," says be. In a stubborn voice. "Miss Crystal Is safe In my bands. answered Pope, in a level tone, bold n well-being.- e |